Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 among people living with HIV in Pune, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Studies on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) are important for implementation of interventions. This cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV infected individuals attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre at Pune, India, to assess KAP towards COVID-19.Methods: The study conducted between June and December 2020 consisted of twelve, five and seven questions pertaining to knowledge, attitude, and practices respectively towards COVID-19. Frequencies and percentages of correct knowledge, attitude and practices were calculated. Overall knowledge scores were categorized into poor, moderate and good using class width equation.Results: Of the total 1175 participants enrolled, 649 (55.2%) were females. Mean age and CD4count of participants at study entry were 44 years (SD: 9.1) and 637 cells/mm3 (SD: 297) respectively. Overall, 400 (34.0%, 95% CI: 31.33-36.83), 612 (52.1%, 95% CI: 49.18-54.98) and 163 (13.9%, 95% CI: 11.95-15.98) participants had good, moderate and poor knowledge respectively regarding COVID-19. Illiterate participants had six times higher probability of having poor knowledge as compared to their counterparts (OR 5.70, 95% CI: 3.94-8.23; p<0.001). Majority of people living with (PLHIV) had correct attitude towards adherence to government prevention and control measures. Healthy preventive practices of social distancing (99.5%), wearing masks at public places (99.7%) and frequent washing hands with soap and water (98.7%) were followed by PLHIV.Conclusions: PLHIV have average knowledge, correct attitude towards adherence to government prevention and control measures, and appropriate practices towards prevention of COVID-19. Counselling sessions at ART centres should include information for improving knowledge related to COVID-19 especially targeting illiterate individuals.